"Pannonia" - a motorcycle of Hungarian production of the middle of the last century

"Pannonia", a motorcycle produced by the Hungarian machine-building enterprise Chepel, was produced from 1954 to 1975. As a basis for the design, Hungarian engineers took a German-made DKW RT-125 motorcycle. Several prototypes were called "Chepel." And when the project was developed and a new high-grade model TL 250 was mastered, it was named Pannonia. "Pannonia" - a motorcycle with good characteristics for the time, a cylinder capacity of 250 cc / cm, stable on the go and easily controlled. He fell in love with the general public.

Motorcycle "Pannonia": technical specifications

Motorcycle is characterized by the following indicators:

• Engine - single-cylinder, two-stroke;
• Cylinder capacity - 246 cm3;
• Stroke of the piston - 68 mm;
• The compression ratio was 39.8;
• Diameter of the cylinder - 68 mm;
• Power maximum - 14 hp;
• The top speed is 110 km / h;
• Wheelbase - 1380 mm;
• Length of motorcycle - 2100 mm;
• Height - 980 mm;
• The distance from the steering wheel to the front seat is 650 mm;
• Width - 680 mm;
• Ground clearance - 130 mm;
• Weight - 146 mm;
• Capacity of gas tank - 18 liters;
• Reserve capacity for refueling, with a switch - 4 liters.

Motorcycle "Pannonia", the characteristics of which were already at a sufficiently high level, nevertheless constantly improved in the production process. No drastic changes occurred, but during the conveyor assembly, small changes were made regularly, which contributed to an increase in the image of the car. Particular attention was paid to the comfort level of "Pannonia", the seats were divided, amortization was improved.

Electrical equipment

"Pannonia" is equipped with flywheel ignition inertial type, voltage 6 volts, power 45 watts. The dynamo is mounted on the end of the main drive shaft and interacts with the voltage regulator and the generator. Spark plug standard, M14 brand Bosch. The power supply circuit for onboard consumers is common, adopted for most middle-class motorcycles. Six-volt light bulbs do not exactly meet the requirements of night operation, they are low-power. In other respects, the electrical equipment of the motorcycle is reliable enough and does not require adjustment.

Production development

In 1956, the new model TLT 250 was mastered, and two years later the TLF modification in two versions: TLB - differed in separate seats and TLD with a new efficient generator system of 60 watts. The mass production of the TLT series marked the beginning of the export of Pannonia to the Soviet Union, which soon became the main buyer of Hungarian motorcycle production throughout the European territory. The Vneshtorg of the USSR received 25,000 cars a year. However, Hungary sent "Pannonia" to other European countries, as well as to the United States. For the domestic consumer there were no more than 30 percent of all produced motorcycles.

"Pannonia", a motorcycle of perfect design, reliable and relatively inexpensive to operate, has become increasingly popular. However, progress required further development, and in 1968, the company "Chepel" launched a new model P20, in exchange for outdated modifications of the TLT. P20 was copied from the Japanese "Yamaha YDS-2". The car turned out to be of high class, with excellent running data, but the quality was too expensive, its retail price increased at times. The management of Chepel soon realized its miscalculations, it was not necessary to destroy the already established sales structures, to please the ephemeral ambitions to create new super-motocycles under the Pannonia brand, even though by analogy with Japanese mototechnics. The market has its own tough laws and they eventually led to the production of a successful model with good prospects for stagnation, and then to closure.

Falling Demand

The Soviet Union rejected the P20 model first, considering it too expensive for itself to purchase too complicated and expensive equipment. Then a few more countries said about the refusal. The Hungarian manufacturer has problems with the sale of products, which quickly turned into insurmountable difficulties. In 1975, the production of "Pannonia" was discontinued. Warehouse stocks were gradually realized, and there was no new revenue.

Project "Pannonia", a motorcycle with a high reputation, quite perfect for its time, ceased to exist. However, until now, on the entire territory of the former USSR on the roads, you can find a two-wheeled black car with a characteristic profile, as a memory of the past.

Motorcycle "Pannonia": price

The cost of a rarity is determined primarily by his age. Technical condition also matters. "Pannonia" was produced more than forty years ago, its collection value is obvious. A Hungarian motorcycle is worth at least two hundred dollars, depending on the degree of shabby. The price of well-groomed, collectible specimens can reach up to $ 1,500, and sometimes up to two. Red and white versions with a stroller are even more expensive.

Repairs

Like any other motor equipment of the middle of the last century, "Pannonia" needs to be restored. Motorcycle, mainly, need cosmetic repairs, the painting must be flawless, the engine is cleaned, the plumage is polished. At the same time, the machine requires competent technical rehabilitation. All units and units undergo diagnostics, and after revealing all the defects, it is possible to begin major repairs. Spare parts for the motorcycle "Pannonia" has long been in short supply, but thanks to this, you can still find the necessary details. If you regularly visit the market for a weekend for the sale of repair accessories, you can find any spare parts to replace the failed ones.